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Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo

Old Pine tree School for Encouragement to Diligence Fist Law

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What is Kosho Shorei Ryu (KSSR)?

• It is a traditional Japanese art developed around 1235 on the island of Kyushu, Japan.

• KSSR was brought to America by James Mitose Sensei (1916-1981).

This photo was taken in Hawaii around 1950Top row from left to right: William Chow, Paul Yamaguchi, Harry Pang, Woodrow McCandle

Thomas Young , Honorable Great Grand Master James M. Mitose, Paul Punghttp://www.usadojo.com

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KSSR is a Holistic Methodology

• The eight sub-arts of KSSR lend themselves to holistic development of the self.

1. Energy Collection

2. Healing Arts

3. KSSR Yoga

4. Escaping Arts

5. Philosophy

6. Folding Arts

7. Meditation

8. War Arts

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What is Self-Defense?

• While there is potential for both of the following scenarios to happen, which is more likely?– Over work yourself, over stress yourself, not get

adequate sleep, become seriously ill, limit your potential by negative thinking, lose your temper, over react…

– Be attacked by one or more criminals.

• At some time in your life, you may have to defend yourself from a physical attack by others.

• However, it is a guarantee that you will need to defend yourself from your own abuses, limiting thoughts, and poor choices.

• KSSR can help you prepare for both scenarios

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Energy Collection

• The study of Energy Collection provides the student with the ability to re-balance their body’s life force.

• Through the study of Qigong (energy cultivation) exercises, the student can achieve:– Relief from everyday stresses – Cultivate internal energy– Clear the mind– Strength the body, mind, & spirit

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Healing Arts

• According to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese Shiatsu the body contains meridians (pathways of energy) that can influence one’s health and vitality.

• The body’s energy can become out of balance for a plethora of reasons.

• Through study of the healing arts, the student can:– Facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal itself– Re-balance the body’s energy– Identify potential targets for martial use– Better understand the human anatomy

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Examples of the Body’s Meridians

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KSSR Yoga (movement/posturing)

• In this sub-art students will study and gain an understanding of movement and posturing.

• One way in which this is accomplished is through the study of the octagon drill.

• The octagon drill is a pre-arranged pattern of eight movements.

• Through the study of the octagon, the student will gain an understanding of:– Efficiency of movement– Efficiency of posturing– Use of auditory distractions– Use of the 90º angle– Many principles of natural law

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The Martial Arts of KSSR

• Escaping Arts are symbolized by a peaceful hand posture. The intent here is to do no harm. These arts also represent bone striking.

• Folding Arts are symbolized by empty hands. The intent here is to control the opponent through joint locks and off-balancing. These arts also represent internal striking.

• War Arts are symbolized by a covered fist reminding the practitioner to regulate their martial ability with propriety. These arts also represent muscular striking.

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The Martial Arts of KSSR

• Empty handed kata (pre-arranged pattern of movements) include authentic KSSR forms and forms sourced from other arts.

• After the basic pattern is learned, the student is taught various kata methodologies to expand his/her knowledge of the form.

• Weapons kata for the jo (4’ staff), tanjo (stick), tanto (knife), and iaido (sword) are also taught.

• Self-defense scenarios (bunkai) are practiced routinely in groups of two or more to incorporate the lessons of the kata.

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KSSR Philosophy

• The KSSR philosophical arts provides the student with opportunities to reflect on natural law, personal potential, and their place in society. History of the art and culture are included in this sub-art.

• Students will be exposed to principles of natural law and teachings from various texts (Tao Te Ching, The Art of War, The Book of Five Rings, etc.)– Body Follows the Head– Move Twice– Politician first, then General, Soldier Last

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Meditation

• Meditation has many forms, but with the same goal… to quiet the ever chaotic mind.

• The student will be exposed to seated meditation without thought, moving meditation (in the form of Qichong or Taijiquan), standing meditation, and Shodo (way of the brush or Japanese calligraphy).

• Through this study, the student will gain an understanding of:– How to quiet his/her mind – Realize an appropriate disconnection from

stagnating or chaotic thoughts.– Deep relaxation

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Summary

• These are the eight arts of Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo.– Energy Collection Healing Arts

– KSSR Yoga Escaping Arts

– Philosophy Folding Arts

– Meditation War Arts

• Together they provide the diligent student with a holistic approach to “self-defense”.

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Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo Class Details

• Classes will include black-belt level instruction in the following skills and principles:1. Receptions (blocks)2. Strikes3. Kicks4. Self defense techniques based on “real life”

scenarios5. Principles of movement6. Kata (pre-arranged forms)7. Weaponry 8. Meditation9. Qigong (Energy Collection)10.Pressure point striking and Healing Arts

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Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo Class Details

• 8-week sessions • One 2-hour class per week• No experience necessary• Students from other styles welcome• Men and women (15 years old and older)• Principle based instruction• Discounts apply for Fitness Connection members• Costs

– Try your first class for free, with no obligation!– Fitness Connection Members: $8/class or $6/class (if 8-

week session is pre-paid)– Non-members: $10/class or $8/class (if 8-week session is

pre-paid)– Kosho Shorei Shin Kai annual dues are $25.00 (waived for

first 8-week session)– Testing fees of $15.00 per rank (pays for belt/certificate)

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Questions

• Call Lee Miller (instructor) with questions relating to the art and the syllabus.– 517-423-2712

• Call The Fitness Connection with questions relating to the class schedule and fees.– 517-423-3399